Accredited Social Worker Credential

Accredited Social Worker Credential

Social workers are committed to ethical and evidence-informed practice, continuous learning, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

The Accredited Social Worker (ASW) credential is a foundational AASW credential that recognises professional currency, capability, and leadership in the broad field of social work. It affirms that social workers maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices, engage in regular supervision, and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence.

The ASW credential supports recognition of high standards in generalist social work and affirms the social worker’s role in contributing to effective service delivery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and system-wide improvement across diverse practice settings.

Purpose and Value

The ASW credential ensures that social workers:

  • Maintain industry currency through structured continuing professional development (CPD)
  • Participate in supervision and reflective practice that enhances service quality and personal growth
  • Stay informed about developments in theory, research, policy and legislative frameworks
  • Are recognised by employers, stakeholders and communities as qualified, accountable, and ethical professionals

This credential reflects a generalist mastery that underpins all specialised social work roles and serves as a public indicator of competence and leadership in social work practice.

Benefits of the ASW Credential

  • Professional Recognition: Signals to employers and clients that you uphold the highest standards in social work
  • Ongoing Growth: Encourages lifelong learning and continuous engagement with supervision and practice development
  • Enhanced Credibility: Validates your commitment to ethical, competent and up-to-date practice across diverse service settings
  • Leadership: Positions credentialed social workers as role models within the profession, contributing to mentoring, innovation and sector development

AASW members achieving credentials can use these post-nominals

Accredited Social Worker – AASW ASW

FAQs

What is the Accredited Social Worker (ASW) credential?

The ASW credential recognises social workers who maintain current professional knowledge and skills, engage in regular supervision, and commit to ongoing learning and ethical practice. It affirms your status as a qualified, accountable, and contemporary practitioner across diverse practice settings.

Who is eligible to apply for the ASW credential?

All AASW members who hold a recognised social work qualification (eligible for full membership) and are actively engaged in social work practice or related professional activities are eligible to apply. This includes practitioners in direct service, policy, research, education, and leadership roles.

Is the ASW credential required for other specialist credentials?

No. The ASW credential forms the baseline professional standard and but is not a prerequisite for applying for specialist AASW credentials, such as the Mental Health, Clinical, Family Violence, or Older Persons credentials.

How do I demonstrate currency of practice and CPD?

Applicants are required to:

  • Meet the AASW Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements
  • Provide evidence of professional supervision
  • Confirm ongoing engagement in ethical and competent social work practice

Full details are outlined in the Credentials Guide.

What is the process for applying?

There is no formal application process for the ASW, you only need to meet AASW Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements and provide evidence of professional supervision

Is there a renewal process?

Yes. To maintain your ASW credential, you must:

  • Remain a financial member of AASW
  • Meet the annual CPD requirements
  • Confirm ongoing supervision and currency of practice

Renewal is aligned with your AASW membership cycle.

How is the ASW credential different from specialist credentials?

The ASW credential affirms generalist professional standards and readiness across social work domains. Specialist credentials (e.g., AMHSW, Clinical, Family Violence) recognise advanced or niche expertise in particular practice areas and usually require additional criteria and evidence.

What are the benefits of having an ASW credential?

Holding the ASW credential:

  • Strengthens your professional identity
  • Enhances your career prospects and credibility with employers
  • Demonstrates your commitment to ethical, informed and supervised practice
  • May support access to advanced roles, leadership opportunities, and further credentialing pathways